RECKLESS ABANDON

1 Corinthians 10:20
I do not want you to become sharers in demons

While Christians have been questioning the reality of demonic influence in the church, the world has charged into the spiritual realm with reckless abandon. The Western world is experiencing a massive paradigm shift in its worldview, as best seen in the rise of the New Age Movement, the acceptance of parapsychology as a science, the growing popularity of the supernatural, and the increasing visibility of Satanism in our culture. New Age mysticism, which gathered its greatest strength with the influx of Eastern religions in the 1960s, has been popularized by a host of celebrities in the 1980s. It’s commonplace to hear channelers (mediums) on radio and TV talk shows boasting about their spirit guides (demons).

But the New Age Movement is not just a celebrity issue. New Age philosophy is making significant inroads into business, education and even religion across our nation. Recently I challenged two my students to attend, for the sake of research, a New Age conference being held two blocks from our school. When they arrived at the door and discovered the cost to be $65 each, they started to walk away. But two strangers approached them saying, "We were told to give you these tickets." My wide-eyed students took the tickets and walked in.

They reported to me that one of the speakers led conference participants in a meditation exercise. He challenged everyone to imagine a spirit guide coming alongside. The speaker concluded the exercise by saying, "Now invite your spirit guide to come in." I could hardly believe it. The devil is giving altar calls just two blocks from Biola University!

Does the spread of New Age and the occult worry you or frighten you? It need not. In Christ you have every resource to defuse and dispel any threat of darkness in your life or family. Stand on the truth of His Word and walk in the light of your identity in Christ.

The Resurrection Life

By John Woodward
March 2, 1998

"But if the Spirit of Him who raised Jesus from the dead dwells in you,
He who raised Christ from the dead will also give life to your mortal
bodies through His Spirit who dwells in you." (Romans 8:11, NKJV).

Is this text speaking primarily of our future resurrection, or the
quality of Christ’s resurrection life in us who truly believe? Consider
both blessings.

1. Resurrection life in the future

One of our senior citizens remarked recently that she knew three people
who died that week. She had three funerals to attend! For the child of
God, however, "We sorrow not as those who have no hope" (1 Thess.
4:13). Although grief is valid (John 11:35), the believer is consoled
by the promise of a bodily resurrection at Christ’s return (Phil.
3:20,21). "To be absent from the body is to be present with the Lord"
(2 Cor. 5:8).

Our eternal life and present spiritual life are based on the miraculous
resurrection of Christ. He assured the disciples, "Because I live, you
will live also" (John 14:19). His victory over death assures us of our
victory over death. "Now Christ is risen from the dead, and has become
the firstfruits of those who have fallen asleep" (physically died - 1
Cor. 15:20). As the firstfruits were the pledge of the remainder of the
harvest, so Christ’s resurrection is the guarantee of our
resurrection.

2. Resurrection life in the present

At first glance the text of Romans 8:11 seems to be focusing on this
same biblical truth - the hope of bodily resurrection of the believer.
The context, however, seems to indicate that the "life" promised here
is the present possession of the child of God. Verse two affirms that
"the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus has made me free from
the law of sin and death."

Romans chapter eight emphasizes the wonderful, abundant life that God
wants His children to experience now. It is this abundant life that is
possible because of our union with Christ at salvation (Rom. 6:1-4). We
are free from sin’s dominion and the law’s condemnation! (Romans 6:14;
8:1).

The same God who raised Christ from the dead dwells in us who believe.
"In Him you also trusted, after you heard the word of truth, the gospel
of your salvation; in whom also, having believed, you were sealed with
the Holy Spirit of promise ... the eyes of your understanding being
enlightened; that you may know what is the hope of His calling, what
are the riches of the glory of His inheritance in the saints, and what
is the exceeding greatness of His power toward us who believe,
according to the working of His mighty power which He worked in Christ
when He raised Him from the dead and seated Him at His right hand in
the heavenly places (Eph. 1:13,18-20).

It is this resurrection life of our Savior that we need to rely on for
the challenges of daily life (Gal. 2:20; Rom. 5:10). Let us claim this
promise of Romans 8:11 and walk by faith. This assures us of God’s
overruling providence (8:28) and unfailing love (8:32-39).

CHANGING DIRECTIONS

Lead me in Your truth and teach me,

For You are the God of my salvation;

On You I wait all the day.

(Psalms 25:5 NKJV)

The next five questions to ask yourself regarding God’s will are to help you when facing a change in direction.

Is it reasonable? God expects us to think. His guidance may transcend human reasoning, but it never excludes it. God doesn’t bypass our mind; He operates through it: "Brethren, do not be children in your thinking; yet in evil be babes, but in your thinking be mature" (1 Corinthians 14:20). We are warned in Scripture not to put our mind in neutral. We are to think and practice what we know to be true (Philippians 4:8, 9). Does a realistic opportunity exist? Closed doors are not meant to be knocked down. If you have a hopeless scheme, let it go. If it isn’t God’s timing, wait. If a realistic opportunity exists, and all the other factors are in agreement, then take the plunge. God may open a window of opportunity, but it will close if not taken advantage of. The faithless man asks, "What do I stand to lose if I do?" The faithful man asks, "What do I risk losing if I don’t?" Are unbiased, spiritually sensitive associates in agreement? Be careful not to consult only those who will agree with you. Give your advisors permission to ask hard questions. Don’t be afraid of "no" answers. If it isn’t God’s will, don’t you want to know before you make the mistake of acting impulsively? Do I have a sanctified desire? Don’t think that being in the will of God must always be an unpleasant task. The joy of the Lord should be our strength. I find my greatest joy in serving God and being in His will. But don’t get the idea that if everything is wonderful, you must be in the will of God. Is this a desire to satisfy a lust of the flesh or a Spirit-filled desire to see God’s kingdom established and people helped? Do I have a peace about it? This is an inner peace. Is the peace of God guarding your heart and mind?

If you have been able to answer yes to all 10 of these deciding factors, what are you waiting for? (Neil Anderson)